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Definition
Product support is a package of logistics support functions and performance metrics necessary to maintain the readiness, sustainment, and operational capability of the system. The product support package is derived from system supportability information from the Life Cycle Sustainment Plan (LCSP), Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP), Systems Engineering Plan (SEP), Capability Development Document (CDD), Acquisition Program Baseline (APB), and other documents.
General/Information/Narrative
Department of Defense (DoD) policy and guidance regarding the development and delivery of a product support package is embodied in Total Life Cycle Systems Management (TLSCSM) and Performance Based Logistics (PBL). A key TLCSP responsibility for the program manager includes developing and implementing a life-cycle sustainment strategy to acquire an integrated product support package based on achieving key sustainment performance metrics (e.g., materiel availability, materiel reliability, mean down time, ownership costs, footprint, etc.).
Designing the product support package is the primary goal of the Integrated Logistics Support and Supportability Analysis processes during the early stages of a system’s lifecycle. Some of the key tasks are as follows:
Materiel Solution Analysis Phase
- Forecast the physical and operational maintenance environment of the proposed system.
- Given the forecasted environment, assess the functional characteristics of the proposed system, its complexity and the obstacles and enablers to effective sustainment in that environment.
- Begin compilation of information and requirements for logistics footprint reductions, deployment requirements, and other factors affecting the in-theater operational concept.
- Provide preliminary logistics requirements and capabilities into draft CDD.
Technology Development Phase
- Identify key performance and related support parameters for inclusion in the Capabilities Development Document (CDD).
- Description of the product support strategy as documented in the Acquisition Strategy.
- Description of the appropriate logistics metrics, criteria, and funding requirements in the Acquisition Program Baseline (APB).
- Include appropriate logistics considerations and test points in the Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP)
- Develop Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Life Cycle Cost estimates.
Policies, Directives, Regulations, Laws
DODD 5000.01, The Defense Acquisition System
DODI 5000.02, Operation of the Defense Acquisition System
Best Practices, Lessons Learned, Stories, Guides, Handbooks, Templates, Example Tools, Communities of Practice, LEC Tools
Performance Based Logistics: A Program Manager’s Product Support Guide. https://acc.dau.mil/adl/en-US/32536/file/6154/PBL%20Guide%20-%20March%20200...
The Computerized Optimization Model for Predicting and Analyzing Support Structures (COMPASS) is a system Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) modeling tool. LORA is the analytical methodology used to determine the maintenance repair levels where items should be removed and replaced; and ultimately repaired or discarded. COMPASS estimates the cost to repair or discard items at various maintenance levels, with contractor facilities included as a separate level. COMPASS optimizes both the maintenance and support to achieve your target operational availability (Ao). COMPASS can consider up to four levels of organic maintenance (supports Two-Level Maintenance studies), supply support, and contractor support. You can also use COMPASS output data as a source for developing the MAC and SMR codes. COMPASS is a free tool available to both DoD and contractors at: https://www.logsa.army.mil/lec/compass/.
The Cost Analysis Strategy Assessment (CASA) Life-Cycle Cost Estimating Software uses an engineering cost model to estimate total cost of ownership based on RDT&E, Acquisition/Procurement, O&S, and Disposal activities. In addition to life-cycle cost estimation, CASA can perform trade-offs, production rate, warranty effectiveness, and other economic analyses. CASA is distributed freely to all US personnel. Request from foreign nations for CASA and associated training and technical support are handled through a Foreign Military Sales Case (FMS). CASA can be obtained here: https://www.logsa.army.mil/lec/casa/.
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